Watch Out, Ronald Morgan!

Ronald Morgan #3

by Patricia Reilly Giff

Hapless Ronald Morgan has trouble making snowflakes and feeding goldfish but thinks his new glasses will solve all of his problems

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 1985

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- I love the premise of this book. I got glasses the summer after 3rd grade, and I clearly remember how they made my vision so much better, but my classmates were not all kind about my appearance. In this 3rd of the series, Ronald Morgan has all sorts of issues at school because of his apparently poor eyesight. Miss Tyler (God love her!) sends a note home to his parents. (Are they clueless??) They take him to a doctor the next day, and he gets glasses in an hour. Ronald, though, feels as if will automatically be a super kid with them. When that does not happen, Miss Tyler once again saves the day by sending home a note with Ronald reminding him that he needs to practice what he tries, and however successful he is, he is still a super kid. (I love Miss Tyler.) My two issues with this story were the clueless parents (I mean, c'mon), and his glasses in an hour. Lenscrafters had three stores in 1984, and their expansion really did not get underway until 1986. Glasses in an hour in 1985, the book's publishing date, would have been a pipe dream for most kids. I did like the explanation of near-sightedness in the back, but the book seems to go from "parents, you're dumb" to glasses in an hour. It just felt odd.

[Alexis Munk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like this book. I think it would help a lot of children who didn't want to get glasses. I know I was terrified to get glasses. Ronald Morgan is scared to get glasses but soon realizes that he really needs them. I also like that his teacher was very kind to him and could see that he thought glasses would make him not be able to do things as well.

[Rodopa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flat. Morality tale about glasses and working hard.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ronald Morgan feels like everyone is picking him on him but then his teacher notices that maybe his eyesight is the real issue. Ronald Morgan is self-conscience at first but quickly adjusts to his new glasses.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good early reader

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it